The Tshwane Leadership and Management Academy, which is credited with producing more than 3 000 certified artisans, has been lauded for being at the forefront of training young people in the municipality as artisans.
The MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Dana Wannenburg, said this week that the idea behind the training is to strengthen the municipality’s internal capacity to serve residents effectively.
He expressed gratitude that the centre had trained more than 3 000 artisans from as early as the year 2000 through an initiative to develop vital skills among young people.
Currently, he said, the City has between 300 and 360 apprentices in the system, with an annual intake of 120 new apprentices.
Wannenburg said: “This programme plays a pivotal role in addressing the City’s infrastructure and service delivery needs, while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for our young artisans.”
He explained that plans were in place to expand the training capacity by filling three vacant technical training posts.
“This will significantly alleviate the pressure on our existing training load, allowing us to better meet the demands of our staff and apprentices, while also exploring commercial training opportunities with other municipalities and external parties,” he said.
Wannenburg praised the academy for leading a programme of inclusive training through a pilot bridging programme for learners with disabilities.
“This initiative offers learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements an opportunity to upskill and eventually qualify for the apprenticeship programme. We currently have 33 students enrolled in this programme, which is due to conclude in March 2025,” he said.
Furthermore, the City had partnered with the Technology, Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges and the automotive sector to enhance training offerings, he said.
The partnership would ensure that the youth were equipped to meet the demands of the job market.
Wannenburg said: “Our collaboration with the Expanded Public Works Programme-funded artisan workplace experience programme is another key initiative. It not only provides young artisans with valuable work experience but also helps address the City’s artisan shortage in a cost-effective manner.”
According to him, the City will continue to prioritise the artisan training programme and aim to enhance both the skills and employability of apprentices.
Pretoria News